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After State Bird Provisions’ Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski accepted their hardware for the country’s Best New Restaurant — somewhat surprisingly, it was San Francisco’s first win in that category since Gary Danko won in 2000 (!) — they got philosophical.

“As a young chef, you look up to James Beard winners, the people who are idols, so to speak. It’s not anything I could ever imagine myself winning,” said Krasinski, with a giant smile on her face — and a medal around her neck.

Brioza got deep, too, hearkening to a James Beard quote about the importance of restaurants as welcoming arenas, places where guests are known. Brioza spoke of the unique familial culture within his restaurant’s staff, noting that he was even more excited for them. (The staff even filmed a cute encouraging pre-awards video for the chefs.)

Christopher Kostow, who won the regional chef award, had similar sentiments about the importance of a culture within a restaurant that permeates all aspects of the business, from the staff to the plate. The Restaurant at Meadowood was also nominated for Best Service, as was Quince; New York’s Del Posto ended up winning that category.

“In the end, it’s our goal to be well-rounded. As they say in football, you have to be good in the three elements – offense, defense, special teams,” Kostow said. “As a restaurant, to be recognized for all the things you do is important, but I think maybe chef is the least important. It’s the other elements that I think are of greater consequence in terms of wanting recognition, but it’s all great for the restaurant.”

· Previously: 2013 James Beard Award Winners [Inside Scoop] · Previously: Danny Bowien on his James Beard win, Air Jordans and his next San Francisco project [Inside Scoop]